Thanks for your kind note. Let me clarify, I’m saying that a given piece of software should be available on any platform, and function the same on it, not that all software should be the same. For example, the Zimbra web interface looks and behaves the same, presenting shared and delegated email, calendars, contacts, files, documents and tasks, on Mac, Windows and Linux. Even better, regardless of versions of OS, so working on XP and Vista, 10.4 and 10.5, etc…. looking for a consistent experience regardless of platform.

I have never heard anyone claim that Macs were invulnerable, but every one of these things that come out is not something that mainsteam users with a little common sense have to worry about.

Nice post. I cannot tell you of any type of actual virus infections on the Mac either. And, yes, I have many of the same types of conversations that you have. They usually include statements of, “Every computer, including OS X computers, are vulnerable.” But, I also include a statement along the lines of, “However, while you Windows users are waiting for the Macintosh community to have their first major malware attack, they have been racking up the costs savings of 7-8 years of not having to deal with malware issues.” How much longer that will continue I don’t know. But I’ll keep putting the money in the bank while I wait for it–rather than spending it.

As to your statement about all software on every platform should work the same, I disagree completely. Competition is what drives software vendors to improve (indeed just about every human effort improves with competition). That includes competition for Apple and would love to see some real competition for the iPod line.

I love and use OS X today. However, I’ve been in computers since about 1975. If there is a better system, for me, then I will switch to it and use it. Linux (the various flavors) are all coming along. But there is no clear advantage and several clear disadvantages (again, for me). With no clear advantage, I’m happy not to go through the change of moving to Linux and away from the Mac. By the way, I’ve given the same advice over the years, to even Windows shops if there was no clear reason to uproot their world and make a switch to another platform. Same goes for Linux shops.

Back to the everything-the-same concept. Your workflow may be fine for you and may suck for me. Each platform has different technologies that make them unique–different strengths and weaknesses. I pick my platform and my software according to what needs to be done. I certainly don’t want them to all be the same. In fact, some of the worst software I’ve ever seen is cross-platform stuff that works exactly the same on every platform. All the weaknesses of both with none of the strengths.